Distance to NYC: 76 miles
Area: 1 square miles
 
On the Hudson's eastern shore some 8 miles south of Poughkeepsie stands the historic Village of Wappingers Falls. The Village of Wappingers Falls was settled about 1730 and was later incorporated in 1871. The presence of the Wappingers Creek and Falls attracted the first settlers. The settlers constructed mills along the creek. The power of the mills was provided by the falls over which the Wappingers Creek must tumble before making the slow last leg of its journey to the Hudson. The first industrial building was a flour mill constructed around 1738. Peter Mesier, a NYC merchant, acquired the mill in 1776, continued to operate and expand the mill, and then opened a shipyard. The Mesier Homestead remains as a monument to these founders of the Village's industrial base. The War of 1812 spurred the construction of small textile plants and by 1850 Wappingers Falls was considered a factory town. Only scattered bits of brick and stone wall remain of the earliest mills built in Wappingers. The dozen factory buildings left on the property today are creations of the 19th and 20th centuries. Most were built for the Garner Bleachery which dominates the history of mills at that site.
 
The Village is home for the Grinnell Library, the sixth oldest library in the country.
 
Situated approximately 1.5 miles east of the Hudson River, the physical setting of the Village is quite impressive due to the presence of Wappingers Creek, Wappingers Lake, the Falls and the gorge below the Falls. The Village of Wappingers Falls has become a desirable place to live and visit with its history, charming village center and excellent location since it is only 90 minutes north of Manhattan. The area is easily accessed by major roads and Metro North commuter and AMTRAK trains.
 
Educational Facilities
The Wappingers Central School District serves the village residents. There are numerous private schools, religious schools and colleges close by. The nearby Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is an educational center dedicated to enhancing environmental awareness and appreciation of the natural world.
 
Recreational Facilities
The Town of Wappingers Recreation Department is available to the residents and offers a variety of programs for youths as well as adults throughout the year. Wappingers Lake has become popular with the fishermen in the area.
 
The nearby Stony Kill Center has farmland, woods, picnic areas and a diverse trail system. Trails are open from dawn to dusk.
 
Houses of Worship
Include United Methodist, Zion Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and St. Mary’s Catholic. There is easy access to most all other denominations.